If there was ever a division that has been dominated, look no further than the AFC East. The Buffalo Bills have run roughshod over it for the past five seasons. However, there has been a significant amount of movement this past offseason. With the revamped Patriots and Jets, maybe they will give Buffalo a run for its money. Let’s dive into the AFC East standings!
5-12 Jets Boarding Last
The New York Jets had an interesting offseason, marked by the departure of Aaron Rodgers at the helm and the subsequent hiring of Justin Fields to replace him. And they hired Aaron Glenn as their new head coach to reset the culture. The foundation of the organization is solid, with star receiver Garrett Wilson and cornerback Sauce Gardner. The totality of the roster is a work in progress. Their offensive line should be improved after investing their first-round pick in the NFL Draft on an offensive tackle (Armand Membou).
Why will the Jets finish last in the AFC East? Fields has the potential to continue on an upward trajectory, but he isn’t a polished product and is learning a new offense. 2025 will be a year of highs and lows. I don’t expect their defense to be as great as it has been in the past few seasons. New York is headed in the right direction, but it’s a work in progress.
5-12 Dolphins’ Beached Season
I have the Miami Dolphins finishing 3rd in the AFC East. What is the main reason? This team can be bullied and pushed around. When your head coach is Mike McDaniel, you are more sizzle than steak. Miami has enough talent on offense to be an interesting team, but its run defense is expected to be abysmal. I’m not sure if they can fight their way out of a wet paper bag.
But Lawson, what about the Dolphins’ record when Tua Tagovailoa is healthy? Will he play a full 17-game season? I don’t think so. If he can stay healthy, their offense should be serviceable. With Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, Miami has two above-average weapons. The loss of Jonnu Smith and his production will be missed, and with Terron Armstead’s retirement, their offensive line won’t be able to keep their quarterback upright.
10-6 New England Patriots Take a Massive Leap
The New England Patriots will finish second in the AFC East. They had one of the best-off seasons this past year. Mike Vrabel will be leaps and bounds better than Jerrod Mayo as the Patriots’ head coach. I am a believer in Drake Maye. Despite a shaky start, he showed many flashes that he will be New England’s franchise quarterback.
Last season, the most significant question mark of the team was their weapons. After signing Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, while also drafting TreVeyon Henderson, that question mark remains no longer. The season is long, but the Patriots have an elite coaching staff with a plethora of experience. They are on the verge of becoming a consistent playoff-caliber team in the AFC East.
14-3 Buffalo Bills Stampede the AFC East
When Josh Allen is your quarterback, winning your division is almost a guarantee. The Buffalo Bills have been the class of the division for the past five seasons. I don’t expect this franchise to finish anything less than first in the AFC East. Keon Coleman is a big body receiver who is ready to explode onto the scene in his second season. Buffalo has the best offensive line in the conference, which will give Allen all day in the pocket.
Defensively, this team will continue its stellar play. The addition of Joey Bosa will help with the Bills’ ability to rush the passer. Head coach Sean McDermott will continue to mold their defense into a borderline top ten defense as he has done year in and year out. This is not rocket science; it’s the NFL.
Final Thoughts
The AFC East is one of the few divisions in the league that is already wrapped up before the season begins. It would take multiple injuries and a series of unfortunate events to go wrong for the Bills to lose the AFC East. The other three teams don’t stand a chance in terms of overthrowing Buffalo.
As always, thank you so much for checking out my prediction for the AFC East for the 2025-2026 NFL season! Be sure to check out our other amazing content here at New Leaf News! We hope you’re enjoying your day, and we look forward to seeing you all again soon.
